Before we begin, I have to apologise for that asp based pun. There will be no more tomfoolery in this review. Perh-asp. Simon Godwin breathes new life into this epic play. With a cast led by the brilliant Ralph Fiennes as cupid-struck Antony and Sophie Okonedo who owns the stage and audience’s hearts as Cleopatra, the National doesn’t fail in putting a refreshing spin on yet another Shakespeare play.
Price I paid: £7.50
Where I got the tickets: National Theatre (via the Entry Pass Scheme)
Tickets range from: £15-£68 (or £7.50 for any seat with Entry Pass)
Theatre: Olivier Theatre
Dates: 18th September – 19th January
Rating: ★★★★
Shows in the Olivier never fail to put that great space to good use, revolving
floors and scenery coming up from the depths of the theatre always leave an audience awestruck – and sometimes in cases such as Wonder.Land, bored of its overuse. This play got the balance just right in that aspect. The modern world meets the old in this piece, with a set designed by Hildegard Bechtler that is simple enough and takes nothing away from the goings-on onstage.
Some enjoyable moments came from the live band and singer pr
o
vides slick changes between the scenes and enhances moments of the play and keeps you in the world of the play. The Olivier is known for providing live music in many of its pieces and this is no different – the band surely deserves a commendation for their part in this show.
There was a slight hint of third-preview slip ups in this performance, but it can
be
forgiven due to the actors stellar performances. Okonedo wowed the audience with her portrayal of the Egyptian Queen, showing such strong and diverse emotions throughout and showing Cleopatra for the strong woman she was. I had high hopes for her performance and she did not let us down, bouncing off of Fiennes with the chemistry of true lovers. A truly mesmerising performance from both, though Okonedo did indeed steal the show, playing her role with such zeal and enthusiasm, which perhaps encouraged Fiennes in his own performance as Herculean Marc Antony. You almost forgot that they were not these historic figures in reality.
Other stand-out performances came from Fisayo Akinade, playing the loyal Eros – whose wit and charm had the audience both in giggles and gasps. Caesar was given new depth by Tunji Kasim, Tim McMullen played Enobarbus with comic timing and emotional turmoil that should be admired and Gloria Obianyo deserves a special nod for her ever-doting Charmain.
This is a fantastic piece of Shakespearean theatre done very well across the board — it is early in its run and will no doubt enjoy a fantastic time at the National.
For further information and to book see the National Theatre’s website.
Theatre for Twenty Quid (and less) 